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Prepositions before nouns

Which prepositions are used with “mum”?

Different prepositions with “mum” express source, direction, company, or relationship. Some combinations are fixed phrases, while others depend on the wider sentence.

Quick answer

Common prepositions with “mum”

Use from mum for origin or sender, to mum for direction or recipient, and with mum for company. Of mum is uncommon except in phrases about possession or description, and for mum usually means intended for her.

I got this recipe from mum.
She wrote a card to mum.
We stayed with mum all weekend.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
from mum

Showing origin or sender

Use from mum when something comes from her or is received from her.

I borrowed the car from mum.
The letter was from mum.
2
to mum

Showing direction or recipient

Use to mum when giving, sending, or speaking something to her.

He explained the problem to mum.
I sent flowers to mum on her birthday.
3
with mum

Showing company

Use with mum when someone is together with their mother.

The children are staying with mum tonight.
She went shopping with mum.
4
for mum

Showing purpose or intended person

Use for mum when something is intended for her benefit or use.

We bought a present for mum.
This seat is for mum.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
from mum
I learned that recipe from mum.
Mum is the source of the information.
to mum
He apologized to mum.
Mum is the receiver of the action.
with mum
She lives with mum.
Together or in the same place as mum.
for mum
This cake is for mum.
Intended for mum.
of mum
That photo of mum was taken in 1985.
Used in noun phrases describing or identifying mum, not as a general fixed combination.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of mum as a general pattern

Of mum is not usually a fixed combination by itself. It normally belongs to a larger noun phrase.

✕ I got advice of mum. ✓ I got advice from mum.

Confusing to mum and for mum

To mum shows direction or recipient. For mum shows purpose or benefit.

✕ I bought flowers to mum. ✓ I bought flowers for mum.

Using with mum for source

With mum means together with her, not received from her.

✕ I learned it with mum. ✓ I learned it from mum.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. I received a postcard ___ mum.
2. We had dinner ___ mum yesterday.
3. She gave the news ___ mum carefully.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “of mum” correct?

It can be correct inside a larger noun phrase such as “a photo of mum”, but it is not a common standalone pattern.

What is the difference between “to mum” and “for mum”?

To mum shows direction or a recipient. For mum shows purpose, benefit, or intended use.

Can I say “with mum” for living arrangements?

Yes. “Live with mum” and “stay with mum” are very natural expressions.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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